Windows 10 Might Be Sold In USB Flash Drives As Well

Quick question: out of 10 laptops, how many come with built-in optical disc drives? Chances are, less than half. And even for desktops, CD and DVD drives have become increasingly optional, relegating the job of playing media discs to dedicated players or even consoles. Seemingly riding on that trend, Microsoft is now rumored to offer a USB flash drive option for its upcoming Windows 10 OS. Although a small move, it is one of the signs that the software giant is willing to change some of its more established practices to remain relevant in the market.

Most end users never get to see the installation part of Windows, as their experience already starts from the setup process after Windows has already been pre-installed by OEMs. Those, however, who have had to install Windows from scratch, either because of a custom-built PC or a second hand laptop, will probably be familiar with how CDs and DVDs have become the installation media standard for the last decades or so.

But such installers are going out of fashion these days. Even hardware drivers usually recommend downloading drivers directly from the Internet. At the very least, software is provided in USBs. Bootable USBs, whether for fresh installs or recovery, have also become more in use. Now it seems that Microsoft is also jumping on board.

Details of this USB Windows 10 installer option are still quite slim. According to leaked information, a single stick can only be used on a single installation, pretty much what you'd expect on regular optical discs. However, a single USB would contain both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows 10, so you don't have to choose which version to buy at the store. And lastly, these USB installers aren't going to completely replace DVDs, as they will be offered alongside the more traditional option.

VIA: Windows Central